As the year draws to a close, your focus likely is on enjoying the holidays to the fullest. Your furry pal is probably thinking the same and is already drooling over the Christmas ham, anticipating stockings full of snacks, and imagining shiny ornaments within paw’s reach. However, while you two may envision different aspects of the holidays, it’s best to be on the same page when it comes to preventing potential pet emergencies. Help your four-legged friend stay out of trouble and safely enjoy the holiday season with our team’s pet emergency prevention tips.

Pet holiday emergency: Your pet ingests hazardous foods

Prevention tip: One of your pet’s favorite parts of the holiday season is the overwhelming bounty of delicious dishes. Although they shouldn’t be invited to any holiday feasts, pets tend to sneak under tables, into the kitchen, or through the trash to scrounge for scraps they shouldn’t eat. Bar your pet from the buffet and lock down your leftovers to prevent an emergency caused by:

  • Turkey and ham
  • Bones
  • Butter, cream, and fatty foods
  • Onions, garlic, and chives
  • Raisins, currants, and grapes
  • Yeast dough
  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate
  • Xylitol 

If your pet ingests these foods, they can suffer from poisoning, pancreatitis, or a gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. Additionally, if they dig through the trash can, they may uncover grease-covered foil, salty turkey brine, the hambone, or any manner of spoiled leftovers or scraps. Tell your guests not to feed your pet, and keep a tight lid on the trash can to prevent your furry pal from suffering a serious bellyache.

Pet holiday emergency: Your pet gnaws on toxic plants

Prevention tip: While Easter lilies are one of the most toxic plants pets encounter during the various holidays, the end-of-year holidays have their fair share of dangerous flora. Spoiler alert: Poinsettias are not as toxic as people believe. In fact, poinsettias are considered non-toxic, but their sap can irritate your pet’s skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract. Holiday plants that are much more toxic or dangerous to pets include:

  • Amaryllis
  • Christmas trees (e.g., fir, pine, cypress, spruce, and cedar)
  • Cyclamen
  • Hellebore
  • Holly
  • Kalanchoe
  • Mistletoe
  • Star-of-Bethlehem

When brightening your home for the holidays, refrain from adding toxic blooms to centerpieces or mantel swags. Barricade your Christmas tree, not only to protect wrapped gifts from your pet, but also to save your furry pal from sharp pine needles, irritating or toxic oils, and bacteria-laden water.

Pet holiday emergency: Your pet tangles with the decor

Prevention tip: Holiday decorations are often dazzling, but they also can be dangerous. Block your pet’s access to:

  • Lighted candles
  • Electrical cords
  • Batteries
  • Tinsel and ribbon
  • Salt dough and breakable ornaments
  • Snow globes
  • Potpourri and essential oils
  • Fireplaces and fire-starter logs
  • Fragile nativity displays
  • Poppers and streamers

From broken glass and electrical shocks to gastrointestinal obstruction and antifreeze poisoning, holiday decorations can be exceptionally dangerous for pets, so ensure your furry pal keeps their paws off your decor.

Pet holiday emergency: Your pet darts through the open front door

Prevention tip: As you welcome guests to your celebration, your pet may take advantage of the commotion and the open door and dart out. Loose pets can be struck by vehicles, get into fights with other animals, ingest a toxic or dangerous item, or fail to return home. While a collar with current ID tags and a microchip can help you find your missing pet, any number of accidents can befall them if they escape, so ensure they are safely confined before people arrive.

Set up a quiet haven for your furry pal to relax in during the festivities. Put down a plush bed, toss in a favorite toy, and provide a long-lasting treat to keep your pet occupied during the chaos. In addition, consider playing white noise or leaving a TV or radio on to drown out the raucous crowd. Once the front door is firmly shut and no one is entering or exiting, you can let your pet out to mingle if they wish. However, if your pet would rather avoid social activities, tell your guests to stay out of your pet’s sanctuary. 

If, despite your best efforts, your four-legged friend gets into mischief and ends up on the naughty list this holiday season, give our Animal Care & Emergency Services team a call. We are here for you and your pet around the clock, holidays included.